Wednesday, January 14, 2004

‘A Career Decision’
Search For Superintendent’s Replacement To Begin

By JOE CHANDLER | G-V Staff Writer

Calling it "a career decision," Halifax County School Superintendent Dennis Witt told the Halifax County School Board Monday night he will retire from his post at the end of June.

Witt will complete a seven-year stint as the county's school superintendent when his retirement becomes effective on June 30.

His current contract with the school system was set to expire on that date.
The impending retirement will end a 39-year career in education for Witt, 19 years of which he served as a school superintendent.

"This is a career decision for me and my family just as it was seven years ago when I came to Halifax County," Witt said.

"After 39 years, you're on the short side of life. I want to try to do something different.

"I have an opportunity to do some consulting work with a school-related business," he added.

Witt said the consulting opportunity will allow him more time to spend with family and time to pursue his personal interests he couldn't while working full-time as superintendent of schools.

And although he will be working outside of the county, Witt said that he plans to continue living in Halifax County.

"I will continue my support for community initiatives which enhance the quality of life for all people and offer my best wishes to the Halifax County School Board as you continue your quest for educational excellence," added the superintendent.

"I've enjoyed my job here tremendously," Witt said.

"This has been a great seven year-run for me personally and professionally.
"Hopefully I've left some footprint of improvement in our schools in Halifax County," continued Witt.

"If so, I would attribute that to the great people I have had the opportunity to work with here.

"I wish to thank all School Board members during my tenure for their dedication and support of public education," Witt said.

"I also wish to express my appreciation to the many citizens and community leaders for their support over the years to ensure our children have the best educational opportunities possible. Halifax County is a great community where children can attain a quality education if they so desire.

"My heartfelt thanks go to the talented and dedicated teachers, administrators and staff for the very fine work they do every day on behalf of our children and young people," continued Witt.

"This association I will miss."

Witt, a Virginia native, came to Halifax County in 1997 after having completed a 12-year stint as superintendent of the Patrick County school system.

He began his career in education as a teacher in Tazewell County where he served as a classroom teacher for four years.

While in Tazewell County, Witt served as an elementary school principal for three years and spent 12 years working in various capacities at the Tazewell County School Board Office.

The Halifax County School Board will begin a search for a successor to Witt in the near future.

SoBo To Get New Mayor
During Monday’s Meeting, Long-Time Mayor Glen Abernathy Announced His Retirement From Public Life

The Town of South Boston will have a new mayor following the May 4 elections, and one candidate has already thrown his hat in the ring.

Following the completion of the formal agenda of Monday's town council meeting, Mayor Glen Abernathy announced he would not seek re-election to the post he has held for seven years.

Vice-Mayor Carroll Thackston announced he would seek the mayor's seat in the upcoming election.

"Even though I know I can't fill his (Abernathy's) shoes, I'm announcing that I'm going to be a candidate for mayor," he said.

"This was not a decision I made hastily," Abernathy said. "But I think it's time for me to step aside."

After making the announcement, the mayor thanked the citizens, town staff and council members for their support and the opportunity to serve South Boston.

"I wish the best to all of you and know you will work together for the future of South Boston," he said.

Abernathy has served on town council for 15 years, including three years as vice-mayor. He was elected mayor in 1996, and has held the post since that time.

Vice-Mayor Carroll Thackston said he felt the town owed Abernathy a debt of gratitude for his service to the community.

"Glen, I think you deserve a rest," he said. "We'll miss your leadership and vast institutional knowledge and memory."

Thackston was appointed to council in 2000 to fill the seat vacated by C.W. "Corky" Rorrer, who was elected to the Halifax County Board of Supervisors.
After completing the unfinished term, Thackston was elected to a full term during the following election.

He has served as vice-mayor since that time.

Agenda Items

During the regular meeting, town council unanimously approved a request from a South Boston Venture Center owner, Dr. Lewis Johnston, to construct a deck and stoop on and partially over the town-owned parking lot at the corner of Factory Street and Seymore Drive.

The deck is expected to be a 10'X31' structure.

The request was made at the behest of Trish P. Happer, who wants to open a restaurant in the former Gathering Spot location.

Happer told council that the planned restaurant would be "quick casual."
"It is planned to be somewhere for people to sit down and enjoy lunch and maybe have meetings," she said.

The planned restaurant will serve primarily breakfast and lunch and will cater to students at the higher education center and downtown workers.

Town Manager Ted Daniel told council that the construction would require an easement.

"The issue is that the building is on the lot line and the town owns the parking lot," the town manager said.

"The issue will be to make the balcony work with the existing parking lot," he added.

The new restaurant is anticipated to begin operations this spring.

After discussion, council, on a motion by Councilman Chris Elliott and with a second by Councilman Coleman Speece, approved the request on the conditions that the town not lose parking spaces and that any improvements to the property maintain the historic integrity of the building.

Council also approved a motion authorizing Daniel to establish a workplace safety program for the town's workers.

"This is an area we do need improvement in," he told council. "We've had several workman's compensation claims."

The town manager said the town would follow programs established by the Virginia Municipal League and that the move would "put us in good stead with the VML."

On a motion by Councilman Tom Raab, and with a second by Thackston, the motion was unanimously approved.

Members of council also gave the nod to a request for authorization to begin the legal process to borrow up to $4.5 million to finance a bond anticipation note.

Daniel said Friday that the funds will be used to provide some cash reserves for the town's general fund and pay up the approximate $2 million deficit in the water/sewer fund.

The remaining funds, around $1.5 million, will be used to assist with the town's obligations for improvements to The Prizery, he added.

The funds will be borrowed from a local bank and the town will only pay interest on the loan until the bond is issued in around three years, Daniel said.

Capital Improvement Plan

Town staff also gave council their first look at the town's recommended capital improvement program for fiscal years 2004 - 2009.

The town manager told council that the town's expected general fund capital projects for FY 2004-2005 are expected to total $1,867,428, with $245,901 in the form of grants the town has received.

During the citizen comment period, North Main Street resident Juanita Carr told council she had planned to open a florist shop in the area, but when she applied for a license, she discovered the property wasn't zoned for business use.

"I think that by opening a florist in the area, it would enhance the location," she said.

Town Planner Lee Pambid, who is working with Carr, said he would meet with property owners along Main Street to see if there could be a change in the zoning of the area to allow the business.

"I think we can come up with something palatable for council, the planning commission and the residents of the area," the planner said.

Burton Speaks In Support Of Prizery
Group Must Start Construction Of Phase II In 60 Days Or Lose $2 Million

"We have the ability right here, right now, to create something this county desperately needs," NASCAR driver and Halifax County's favorite son Ward Burton said Monday. "We have to use our past in the present to create our future."

Burton was the featured speaker at a fund-raising luncheon for business and community leaders at The Prizery.

A group of approximately 35 attended as Prizery Executive Director Chris Jones in an effort to raise the remaining funds necessary to complete Phase II of the renovations to the historic building.

Once complete, The Prizery will serve as the town's community, arts and education center, visitor's center and performing arts theater.

Jones said yesterday that with tax credits, private gifts, grants and matching governmental funding, the Community Arts Center Foundation was "coming down to the end of the line."

"We need the community to step up and match what the local governments have promised," he said. "That money is contingent on us being able to match it privately."

Currently, Jones said the group had managed to raise $950,000 of the needed $1.5 million in private donations.

Coupled with a promised matching grant of $1.5 million from the Town of South Boston and Halifax County, and historic tax credits of $2 million, the group is within reach of its goal.

But he added that time is of the essence.

"We need construction to start within 60 days or we will lose the $2 million tax credit," Jones said.

The center will serve not only as the artistic hub of the community, CACF member J.R. Griffin said, the group expects it to serve as part of the region's overall economic development strategy.

"There's so much more here than an historic building being renovated for an art center," he said. "This place is a key for economic development and enhancing the quality of life.

"Community development isn't about just being larger," Griffin added. "It's about being better as far as quality of life."

Burton said the center could be integral in the community's efforts to retain its young people and preserve its history.

"I think it's important that we come together and embrace this dream for the future of our county and to make our kids understand that this is their heritage," he said.

"If we don't come together and show our children their history and their future, how can we expect them to stay here?" Burton added.

A Tough Choice
Racquel Jeffress Makes Practical Decision: Basketball Over Soccer

By DOUG FORD | G-V Staff Writer

Racquel Jeffress readily admits soccer is her favorite sport, but basketball has become the tool of choice to achieve her goal of practicing law.

Jeffress, the daughter of Freddie Jeffress II and Yolanda Jeffress, is a freshman member of the Virginia Union girls basketball team, but had to make the ultimate choice between the two sports.

Virginia Wesleyan wanted her to play soccer, and Virginia Union offered her a basketball scholarship.

Ultimately, the decision came down to financial aid, according to Jeffress.
"Virginia Wesleyan wanted me to play soccer, but Division III schools can't offer athletic scholarships," she explained.

"Virginia Union is a Division II school and offered me a basketball scholarship, so I went to Virginia Union.

"It was a better deal, but it was a tough decision because I really wanted to play soccer.

"I wanted to help my parents out."

Ironically, Jeffress began playing soccer to get in condition for basketball, but quickly found a niche as a soccer goalie.

She played both sports her sophomore, junior and senior years in high school, making the all-district second team her junior year, and first-team All Western Valley District as a senior goalkeeper for the Comets.

She also received Honorable Mention on the All-Western Valley District Girls Basketball team as a senior.

Jeffress said she hasn't had a lot of time to enjoy the social side of college life so far, her time taken up by sports and academics.

"It's a big adjustment being away from home," she began.

"You have to put everything else aside, and it takes a lot of dedication.
And discipline, Jeffress added.

"While basketball season is in, you really can't think of anything but basketball and schoolwork.

"That's my top priority, the professors are all different, and the work is constant."

Jeffress said she is taking mostly general studies courses, but quickly added it would get more difficult once she begins classes in her major, political science.

Added to her academic schedule are the demands of a scholarship athlete, including conditioning, weight training, and travel.

"There's a lot of travel, Jeffress emphasized, recalling a recent holiday tournament in Georgia.

"We had classes the very next day after we returned," said Jeffress, adding her professors gave no special consideration to student athletes.

"I had a class the next morning, and I had to go regardless."

Virginia Union coach Moses Golatt has penciled Jeffress in at the power forward position this season, although Jeffress is getting some playing time at guard for the 10-2 Panthers, who compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA).

"That's (guard) a new position for me," smiled Jeffress, who admitted she had to get some primers on her ball handling.

"I'm getting a little bit of playing time so I can get experience for next season, because we'll lose a lot of players."

College basketball is a whole new ball game, according to Jeffress, not so much in the height of the players, but in the skill levels.

"Every now and then, you may see a 6-5 player, but overall they're not taller.
"But they are faster, quicker and more aggressive."

The Panthers, one of the better teams in their conference this season, won their conference opener against St. Paul's, but Jeffress expects tough competition from teams like Shaw and Bowie State before the CIAA Tournament in Raleigh.

A win there would be the perfect ending to the tough choice Jeffress had to make.

Obituaries

Iris Lee Glass Allen

Iris Lee Glass Allen, 78, of 1317 South Avenue, South Boston died January 12 at her home.

Mrs. Allen was born in Halifax County on September 27, 1925, the daughter of the late George B. Glass and Louise Cumby Glass and was married to the late William Jennings Allen. She was a member of First Baptist Church and worked as an aide at First Baptist Church Weekday School.

A memorial service will be held at the church tomorrow, January 15 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Tim Cannon and Rev. Ralph Harrell officiating.

Survivors of Mrs. Allen include one daughter, Suzan Allen of South Boston; one son, William Thomas Allen II of Marietta, Ga.; one sister, Katheryn Glass Davis of South Boston; two brothers, James E. Glass of South Hill and John B. Glass of Whiteville, N.C.; one grandson, William Joseph Glass; and one granddaughter, Ashley Elizabeth Allen. Mrs. Allen was also preceded in death by one brother, George C. Glass.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider First Baptist Church Weekday School, 815 N. Main Street, South Boston or Halifax Regional Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, 24592.

The family will receive friends at the home.

Hubert Wesley Bryant

Hubert Wesley Bryant, 82, of Roxboro, N.C. died January 10 at his home.
Mr. Bryant was a native of Person County, N.C., and the son of the late William Thomas and Betty Elizabeth Clayton Bryant. He was owner and operator of Country Boys Produce, a veteran of the U.S. Army, and a member of Roxboro Church of God.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, January 14 in the Roxboro Church of God by the Rev. J. Harold Palmer, Sherman Lester, Connor Lambert and the Rev. Ray Loftis. Burial will follow in Person Memorial Cemetery.

Surviving Mr. Bryant is his wife, Doris Collins Bryant of the home; five sons, Danny Bryant and wife, Carol, of Douglasville, Ga., Terry Bryant of High Point, N.C., Bobby Bryant of South Boston, Michael Bryant and fiance, Diana, of Salisbury, N.C. and Jerry Bryant of the home; one daughter, Peggy Owen and husband, James, of Halifax; one brother, Wallace Bryant and wife, Bobby Jean, of Sanford, N.C.; one sister, Marlean B. Hatcher Loftis and husband, Ray, of Clover, S.C.; six grandchildren, Sherri Lynn Bryant, Travis James Owen, Casey Brandon Owen, Jordan Bryant, Audrey Bryant and Jared Kindlespire; and his mother-in-law, Thelma Collins of Roxboro.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Roxboro Church of God, PO Box 1046, Roxboro, 27573.

Edith Blackstock Francisco

Edith Blackstock Francisco, 88, of 5031 Hunting Creek Road, Nathalie died January 11 at Duke University Medical Center.

Mrs. Francisco was born in Halifax County on December 7, 1915, the daughter of the late Joe Riley Blackstock and Daisy Ligon Blackstock and was married to the late George Morell Francisco.

She was a member of Hunting Creek Baptist Church, a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Triangle Volunteer Fire Department and was a recipient of the outstanding citizen award of the Woodmen of the World.

Survivors of Mrs. Francisco include two daughters, Lois F. Green and fiance, Ronnie Womack, of Vernon Hill and Dr. Dale F. Williams and husband, Ray, of Roxboro, N.C.; five sons, Larry C. Francisco and wife, Ila, of Raleigh, N.C., Jackie M. Francisco and wife, Mary Ann, of Halifax, David R. Francisco and wife, Mary L., of Nathalie, Danny T. Francisco and special friend, Leslie Hatcher, of Sutherlin, and Chris F. Green and wife, Tiffany, of Clover; one brother, A.B. 'Buster' Blackstock of Nathalie; 16 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Francisco was also preceded in death by one daughter and son-in-law, Patsy F. and Johnny Johnson; three sisters, Ethel B. Neal, Elizabeth B. Ward, and Evelyn H. Woltz; and four brothers, Andrew Blackstock, Joe 'Rat' Blackstock, Earlie Blackstock and Jesse Blackstock.

A funeral service will be held today, January 14 at 3 p.m. at Hunting Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Tony Sisk and H.V. Conner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Hunting Creek Baptist Church, c/o Steve Anderson.

Emma Lee Wilkins Moore

Emma Lee Wilkins Moore, 84, of 2010 Grubby Road, Halifax died January 12 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mrs. Moore was born in Halifax County on November 21, 1919, the daughter of the late Grover Cleveland Wilkins and Nannie Lou Harris Wilkins and was married to the late Tommy Louis Moore. She was a member of Union United Methodist Church.

Services will be held at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel tomorrow, January 15 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Ann Davidson officiating. Burial will follow in Union UMC Cemetery.

Survivors of Mrs. Moore include one son, Tommy Lee Moore of Halifax; one sister, Gurdine W. Burleson of Clarksville, Tenn.; one brother, Harris Wilkins of Clarksville, Tenn.; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Shirley Mae W. Williamson.

The family will receive friends this evening at Brooks Funeral Home between 7:00 and 8:30.

Lucy White Saunders

Lucy White Saunders, 78, formerly of Halifax County, died January 13 in Florence, S.C.

Mrs. Saunders was born in Pittsylvania county on April 20, 1925, the daughter of the late Cooper White and Lydia Byrd Dodson White and was married to the late Henry Jake Saunders. She was a member of Liberty United Church of Christ.

Survivors include two daughters, Phyllis Saunders Ragsdale of Nathalie and Wanda Saunders Coates and husband, Frank, of Pamplico, S.C.; one son, Darryl Saunders and wife, Barbara, of Danville; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mrs. Saunders will be held tomorrow, January 15 at 2 p.m. at Liberty United Church of Christ with the Rev. Dwight Moore officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home this evening from 7:00 until 8:30, and other times at the home of her daughter, Phyllis S. Ragsdale, 3216 Beaver Pond, Road, Nathalie.
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